Saturday, 26 September 2009

President Horta Defends His position on Maternus Bere (Video release)

TEMPO SEMANAL TV

During the two days of National Kongress of Victims of Human Rights Violations 1975-99 Dili 8-9 September 2009 the victims and family of victims criticised the Timorese President and Prime Minister position with regards to the matter of justice for human rights abuses in Timor-Leste.

Above: Video of the Public Meeting

President Ramos Horta in his speech during the 10th anniversary of East Timor Referendum on 30 August 2009, criticised Amnesty International and other defenders of human rights inside and outside Timor and declared that he does not agree with efforts to create an international tribunal for human rights violations in Timor-Leste.

Above: Video of President Ramos-Horta defending his and the Governments decision to release Bere.

On the same day East Timor Government released Maternus Bere, the second Command of Laksaur Militia, who was indicted by the United Nations Special Panel for Serious Crimes.

Above: Second Video of President Ramos-Horta defending his and the Governments decision to release Bere.

In August 2009 Bere was arrested by the community in Suai after crossing the border from Indonesia - and handed over to police authorities - as a warrant for his arrest was issued when he was indicted in 2001 by the UN.

However, the UN Police, under their executive police mandate, allowed Bere to roam free in Suai district for 3 days and only took Bere once the community arrested him.

On 02/09/09 the UNHR Commissioner criticised East Timorese President but the UN is trying to wash their hand in terms of Justice by removed the Special Panel for Serious Crimes Unit.

For the full coverage of Mr. Bere case please read Tempo Semanal's next edition. Tempo Semanal has obtained leaked copies of Bere's passport and other documents which reveal much about the case, including a 4 September 2009 letter from the National Director of the Timorese prison service.